3 May, Sunday — Electrifying Holy Spirit

4th Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday

Acts 2:14, 36-41
1 Peter 2:20-25
John 10:1-10

“You must repent, and every one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins: and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Three thousand souls were added that day when Peter boldly proclaimed the truth of the gospel in the courts of Jerusalem, after they experienced a renewal by the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. When was the last time I shared the gospel to an open assembly? I can’t remember, but I do hope when I share the testimony of His healing from my smoking addiction, there will be many souls who are saved from the pain and suffering of dealing with the health hazards of this bad habit.

I picked up smoking at the age of 12 from the older boys after school, influenced by images of macho men puffing on their cigarettes. In retrospect, I turned to smoking in my search for acceptance. I was finally able to get over the addiction at my grandfather’s funeral in 2004, and through a miracle at the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in SJI. It is by God’s grace that I could kick the habit and stay smoke-free until today. That was my ‘upper room’ moment, which I continue to draw strength from when I am asked about my faith.

The experience of the apostles having walked and talked with our Lord must have been amazing; but the experience of the Holy Spirit was probably electrifying. We can witness their zeal and fearlessness after Pentecost. Christ wants to be present in every historical epoch, every place and sector of society, to reach every person that there may be one flock and one shepherd.

Brothers and sisters, ask yourself this, “How am I living the resurrected life of Jesus today?”

(Today’s OXYGEN by Christian Eber )

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we always hear Your voice and heed Your call, as You lead us into the abundant life in Your eternal glory.

Thanksgiving: Thank you Jesus, for the hope You have provided me as the Good Shepherd and doing everything perfectly at all times.